Depression treatment depends on doctor

Male GPs are more likely to prescribe antidepressants than female GPs, research shows.

A survey of 200 GPs by the Mental Health Foundation found 61 per cent of male doctors would offer pills to patients with mild or moderate depression.

However, female doctors favour counselling as the first measure for treating their patients.

Only 37 per cent of female GPs questioned said they would suggest medication first, and only 17 per cent of those interviewed think antidepressants are an effective treatment for their patients.

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The number of women doctors who actually refer patients for 'talk therapy' is however quite low, 39 per cent, which may be due to the lack of availability of counsellors to see patients.

"There is a huge problem around waiting times of up to 12 months or more for counselling," Dr Jim Kennedy of the Royal College of GPs said.

Chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation Dr Andrew McCulloch added: "We need to change the attitudes and prescribing behaviours of GPs, and educate them about the effectiveness of exercise referral and other non-medical treatments so that patients are given more choice."

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